SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 518
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
join the Harris County Historical Commission and the Rutherford
B. H. Yates Museum, Incorporated, in celebrating the April 27,
2013, dedication of an official Texas Historical Marker
commemorating the life and work of attorney and community leader
J. Vance Lewis; and
WHEREAS, J. Vance Lewis was born in Terrebonne Parish,
Louisiana, around 1869; he attended Leland University in New
Orleans and earned a teaching certificate from the Normal School
in Orange, Texas; he taught and served as principal at Cripple
Creek School in Angelina County, and he earned a law degree from
the Chicago College of Law in 1897; and
WHEREAS, He moved to Houston in 1901 and lived in the
Freedmen's Town community; he established a law firm with Lewis
W. Greenly and was one of only a handful of African American
lawyers in Texas; he was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in
1904; and
WHEREAS, In addition to practicing law, Mr. Lewis
supported and promoted economic enterprises in his community; he
contributed funds toward the creation of an African American bank
and joined the Colored Commercial Club; he was also active in
political affairs, running for criminal district judge and
traveling across the country in support of the Black and Tan
Republican Party; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis provided an important early voice for
equality in Houston and the country, and it is truly fitting that
he be honored with an official Texas Historical Marker; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
83rd Legislature, hereby extend best wishes to the Harris County
Historical Commission and the Rutherford B. H. Yates Museum,
Incorporated, for a memorable dedication ceremony for the
official Texas Historical Marker commemorating the life and
legacy of J. Vance Lewis; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of this special occasion.
Whitmire
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 20, 2013.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate